How to Repair Slab Paving

Concrete paving slabs are a common choice of paving for patios. The same slabs can also be used for paths, but for drives, stronger and thicker, hydraulically-pressed slabs must be laid on a much stronger base. Normally, paving slabs are set on dabs of mortar on a sand base, but they may also be laid [...]

How to Repair Plaster Mouldings

Cornices Cornices are fitted to cover the gap between wall and ceiling. With an ornate plaster cornice, you may want to dig out the encrusted paint to reveal the original profile; a small pointed stick and lots of water will do the job, but be patient – it will take time. Adding a cornice is [...]

How to Repair Doors

Doors can develop all sorts of problems, from simple squeaks and rattles to suddenly refusing to open and shut properly. Fortunately, most of the problems are easy to solve, though for most door repairs you will need to remove the door from the frame. Some faults can be cured by fitting a draught excluder and [...]

How to Repair and Replace Floorboards

The majority of floors in older homes will have individual floorboards nailed to floor joists. In modern homes, sheets of flooring-grade chipboard (particle board) will be nailed or screwed to the joists. If a new floor covering is to be laid, it is essential that floors are in good condition. If floorboards are to be [...]

How to Repair Damaged Concrete

There are many materials that can be used for surfacing paths, patios and drives, and in time most will need some form of repair or maintenance. The technique required depends on the material. Keeping paths, patios and drives in good condition is not simply a matter of appearance. If the surfaces are allowed to deteriorate, [...]

How to Repair Interior Doors

A door normally rattles because it has shrunk or warped slightly so that the latch is no longer making correct contact with the keeper plate in the frame. You can solve this by moving the keeper a little closer to the frame. First measure the gap between the closed door and the frame, then unscrew [...]

How to Repair Stairs

The most common problem with stairs is that they creak. However, they may also suffer from physical damage and from missing parts, especially beneath the treads. The ease with which stairs may be repaired will depend partly on whether you have access to the underside. In some cases, plaster or boards may conceal it, which [...]

How to Repair Stair Balustrade

“Balustrade” is the name given to the combination of balusters (banisters), posts and handrails that run up the side of a staircase. Over time, these components may become loose or damaged, but repairs are quite straightforward and may range from simply regluing a cracked baluster or repairing a short length of handrail, to replacing the [...]

How to Repair Pitched Roofs

A pitched house roof may be covered with traditional slates, clay tiles or interlocking concrete tiles. All can fail and work loose; you can repair small areas of damage yourself, but large-scale repairs may mean wholesale replacement of the roof covering, which should be entrusted to a professional roof contractor. Never walk directly on a [...]

How to Repair Windows

The most obvious signs that there is something wrong with a window are when it starts to rattle in the wind or to stick, making it difficult to open and close. Rattling is most likely to be caused by worn hinges or wear of the window itself; sticking by swelling of the wood, build-up of [...]

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